This is a brief introduction into a simple network configuration between
at least two Win95/98 computers. This paper is written for the beginner and
is not intended for advanced users. Although there are several things I could
ask for prior to setting up a LAN on two machines, such as a fresh installation
of Win9x, I understand that it is not possible in all cases. We will therefore
start from your current configuration, which is Win9x being preinstalled and
running on your machine.

Supplies:

There are several things you must have in order to have a network on two or more
machines, the most important being a ETHERNET Network Interface card, hereafter
referred to as "NIC" cards or just plain "NIC's". These ethernet cards can be either
10 or 100 Mps (Megabits per sec), doesn't matter, however, if you use 100 Mps they
will cost more, and may require special 100 Mps components which will be discussed
later. You can purchase these Ethernet NIC's at most computer stores, online or through
Ebay from $5.00 to $150.00 each, for home use, the cheap ones usually work ok. You can
also use BNC Adapter Cards, which will be discussed in the BNC Section of this paper below.

Secondly, you will need, for twisted pair (RJ-45, looks like over-sized phone jacks) networking, a Ethernet Network Hub. This is where some people develop trouble with their
LAN's. They try going straight "Peer-to-Peer" or from one computer, straight to another
with a patch cable (a short, 6' or so, twisted pair cable with a RJ-45 Jack on each end)
without going through a Ethernet Hub. Though this is possible with a BNC LAN, it is
not advisable on a twisted pair network (see also: Crossover Cables). The Ethernet HUB
can be from 2 to 100 ports (or more) and can cost from $20.00 to $2000.00 +.

I would assume that most computer stores have the small LAN Ethernet Hubs,
I recommend Intel, CISCO, or 3Com, but there are a variety of good ethernet
hubs out there, which ever you choose should work ok.

You need to determine how many computers you are going to network, that is the number
of ports on the ethernet hub you will need.

Third, the twisted pair jumper cables (assuming this installation is somewhere around
25' ft or so) with RJ-45 (large phone jacks) on each end. They come in a variety of
colors and lengths, all dependant on your needs. You need to determine how many computers
you are going to network, that is the number of cables you will need.

That's all the supplies you need to get a LAN going. All these components, when purchased
should run you no more than $40.00 for a two computer LAN.